A disease which targets birds has surfaced in Ventura County. County Public Health officials say two cases of Avian Flu have been detected in the county. One case involved an owl in Oxnard, and the second was an owl in Thousand Oaks.
Humans are at low risk of contracting the form of flu. But, it’s very contagious among birds, and it can easily infect and sicken them. It’s usually transmitted by wild birds, and can pose a huge risk for domestic poultry.
It’s spread by direct bird-to-bird contact, but they can catch the virus through infected clothing, shoes, mucus, and saliva. A nationwide outbreak of Avian Flu has impacted nearly 50 million birds nationwide this year.
To protect yourself, public health officials say you shouldn’t handle wild, or sick birds. Humans who contract the virus can have flu-like symptoms, and if avian flu is suspected, you should see your doctor.
